Question:
I have had oral thrush for 11 weeks!! Please help.

I have posted this question before but am now hoping for additional help. When I was 3 weeks post-op I developed oral thrush. I have take 3 rounds of Diflucan and have used nystatin. At a local support group tonight I met a Lady that also developed thrush about three weeks post-op and has now had it for 6 months. Am I doomed to have thrush the rest of my life? My Pcp doesn't know what else to try. Does anybody have any suggestions? I would appreciate ANY help. Thank You post-op 6/26/00 open rny - 58 lbs    — Paula G. (posted on September 25, 2000)

September 25, 2000
I developed oral thrush about a year ago, and had a hard time getting rid of it. I finally got some of that "Purple stuff" used on infants. Just paint your tongue and cheeks with it, and it should clear it up in about a week or two. (can't remember the name of the stuff, but the Pharmacist will know)
   — mbanks

September 25, 2000
howdy- well if i understand thrush it is an illness stemming from excessive yeast 'spores' or whatever they're called. i have in the past read a great deal about yeast being a central aspect to many immune system disorders and also having multi-symptomatic effects such as sugar and hi carb cravings, light sensitivity, etc. anyway, this is a bit beside the point. i had some immune system probs a few years and began to make acidophillus (spelling?) a part of my daily supplement ritual (i am a pre-op, only 'til wed, though) acidophillus apparently gobbles up excess yeast and helps tame illnesses that are effected by excess yeast. it's available in capsules and also liquid, tastes like unflavored yogurt. its also in some milks and yogurt products, although i've never used those sources primarily. check with 'trader joes' or a 'whole foods market' for purchase, or a health food store. its not too expensive. good luck! also, for those that develop vaginal yeast infections after antibiotics, acidophillus definately helps!
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 25, 2000
I had oral thrush the day after I left the hospital , I was given nystatin suspension , swish and swallow 3 or 4 times a day , and it cleared up in a week , i took it for an extra few days ust to be sure . It worked well for me. The purple stuff Michelle was referring to , I believe is called Gentian Violet , it is an over the counter preparation available at your local pharmacy , but it usually has to be special ordered, so give them a day or two if you decide to go that route. Good luck,
   — Heather T.

September 25, 2000
I also had thrush for a long period of time after surgery. Nystatin didn't do a thing. My doctor prescribed Mycelex. I had to have one four times a day for 14 days and let it slowly dissolve in my mouth. It was a very granular tablet and I think that also helped getting the thrush to clear up. If your doctor won't prescribe it. I also have heard alot about genetian violet which the others were talking about. Good luck!
   — blank first name B.

September 25, 2000
I know y'all are going to think I am nuts, but the acidophyllus route is the right one to go. And here is what I suggest: Make a liquid of 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt and 1 cup warm water. Rinse it around in your mouth twice a day and spit it out. Eat at least 8 oz of yogurt a day to keep your alimentary canal (mouth to rectum) free of yeast (also known as thrush). And lastly, try the 1 cup of plain yogurt, mixed with 1 quart of warm water as a douche for vaginal yeast infections. They clear up almost instantly and are very safe for pregnant women. Of course, most docs don't want you to know this since they have stock in drug companies...
   — merri B.

September 26, 2000
Merri...excellent advice. One addition, be sure the yogurt you get has active cultures. I've found Alta-Dena to be the best, it is generally available in health food stores and some grocery stores.
   — Roseann M.

September 26, 2000
I also developed the yeast in the mouth thing at about 4 months post-op. Big darned nuisance. I was given the Mycelex Troche (lozenge). It did do the job. You stick it in the cheek or under the tongue and let it dissolve. Haven't had one since in 6 yrs, so at least it doesn't HAVE to repeat. But my nutrition level is kept at maximum best nowadays and back then I was a rookie!
   — vitalady

September 27, 2000
Paula, first off is your doctor absolutely SURE you have thrush? Thrush is caused by candida albicans, the same fungus that causes vaginal and skin yeast infections. There are other fungal infections that look like candida, but are much tougher to treat. One example is aspergillus. The way you know for sure is to take a scraping or culture and have it evaluated by a lab. They can also test different anti-fungals against the microorganism and tell your physician which will be most effective. Secondly, if the growth is not fungal, it could be a precancerous condition called leukoplakia and would need to be treated very differently. I would strongly suggest that you see an infectious disease specialist, you can usually find an infectious disease service at a teaching hospital and sometimes at community based hospitals. You deserve an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Good luck.
   — Jean S.